Dube TradePort SEZ Continues to Drive Value For KwaZulu-Natal Economy
- Jul 28
- 3 min read
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dube TradePort SEZ Continues to Drive Value For KwaZulu-Natal Economy
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal – Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone continues to cement its position as one of KwaZulu-Natal's drivers of economic growth, delivering investment and infrastructure development, enabling export growth, while sustaining employment and strengthening the province’s competitiveness.
According to a recent Socio-Economic Impact Assessment Report produced by the organisation, Dube TradePort has attracted R4.2 billion in private-sector investment, and the organisation’s activities have sustained approximately 36,872 permanent jobs throughout KwaZulu-Natal since its inception. These achievements underscore the role that the Special Economic Zone continues to play in advancing inclusive economic growth and industrial development.
Last year, Dube TradePort attracted further private sector investment of R480 million, primarily from existing investors in their capital and equipment. Additionally, these investors created 631 new permanent jobs, with an additional 102 temporary jobs.
"Our continued investment in strategic infrastructure and investor-focused development is creating a platform for sustained economic growth and industrial expansion. Dube TradePort remains a powerful catalyst for attracting investment, creating jobs and strengthening KwaZulu-Natal's position in global markets," said Hamish Erskine, CEO, Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone.
The impact of Dube TradePort extends far beyond its precincts. Investors operating within the Special Economic Zone generated approximately R531 million in exports during the previous financial year, supplying products to markets across the Southern African Development Community region and international markets.
This strong export performance highlights the success of Dube TradePort's integrated development model, which combines world-class industrial infrastructure, logistics capabilities and direct access to international markets through King Shaka International Airport, the seaport of Durban and the robust road network connecting KwaZulu-Natal to the rest of Southern Africa.
Infrastructure development remains at the heart of Dube TradePort's growth strategy. During the 2025/26 financial year, the organisation invested R109,7million in fixed capital projects, that has included the completion of work on major infrastructure projects within Dube TradeZone 2 and Dube AgriZone 2, while also advancing the construction of large-scale industrial warehousing facilities.
To support future investor demand and ensure long-term sustainability, Dube TradePort has allocated capital for strategic capital projects in the coming financial year, including:
The development of a solar farm capable of generating a minimum of 4.4 MW of clean and renewable energy, supporting investor sustainability requirements and enhancing energy resilience.
The construction of two new industrial warehouses to accommodate the growing demand from medium-sized manufacturers seeking world-class facilities within the Special Economic Zone.
Planning for a new water reservoir, ensuring the long-term availability of critical infrastructure to support industrial expansion.
These investments reflect Dube TradePort's commitment to building a resilient, sustainable and future-ready Special Economic Zone that can support long-term industrial growth.
Beyond industrial development, Dube TradePort continues to play a leading role in improving KwaZulu-Natal's air connectivity through its role in the KwaZulu-Natal Route Development Committee (Durban Direct).
The organisation has spearheaded a comprehensive refresh of the KwaZulu-Natal Route Development Strategy, aimed at accelerating airline route development into King Shaka International Airport and strengthening the province’s global air connectivity.
This initiative builds on the success of the daily Emirates air service connecting Durban and Dubai, as well as the growth of Airlink’s Durban–Harare route, both of which have contributed immensely to Durban’s regional and international air connectivity.
Recent developments within air services demonstrate growing confidence in the Durban market:
Qatar Airways has increased its Durban service to daily flights (seven per week) between Doha-Maputo-Durban, providing enhanced access to key markets across Europe, Asia, North America and the Middle East.
Turkish Airlines has expanded its Durban-Istanbul service to four flights per week, increasing connectivity to more than 300 destinations worldwide through one of the world's largest aviation hubs.
Eswatini Air has increased operations on the Durban-Manzini route to three flights per week, strengthening regional connectivity and supporting trade and tourism between KwaZulu-Natal and the Kingdom of Eswatini.
As KwaZulu-Natal advances its economic transformation agenda, Dube TradePort SEZ remains uniquely positioned to drive industrialisation, export growth, job creation and international connectivity.
With a strong investment pipeline, significant infrastructure expansion plans, growing export performance and increasing global air access, Dube TradePort continues to demonstrate why it is one of South Africa's leading Special Economic Zones and a critical contributor to the province's long-term economic prosperity.
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